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Saturday, April 17, 2010

Hexagon Thoughts :: Week Three :: Hexagon Basting Basics

I've received a few questions here on the blog and have seen some over at flickr regarding basting hexagons. In response, I thought I'd just show you how I do it. This is really basic stuff, but if you are new to hexagons, you may find it helpful.

I had a little fun with iMovie, so I apologize if it's super cheesy. After uploading the file to Vimeo, I realized that I sped up the part where I told you how much faster it is (for me, at least) if you chain baste the hexagons and don't clip between hexes. Just be careful not to get them tangled in the process. Enjoy!

How did you know I was thinking of attempting some hexies today? I printed out the template sheet this morning, went out for crepes, came back and you have posted an instructional movie just for me. You read my mind. Thank you Thank you!!

Hi Melanie, I only found your blog this week, and are almost finished my single bed size hexagon quilt. I have been bitten by the hexagon bug and wished I a had thought to baste the hexagons the way you do it would have saved so much time.

I have 5 hexies done!! Will there be a part 2 that demonstrates joining them together?? Hint, hint. My 13 year old daughter spent some time printing and cutting out the templates for me and then doing the same for the 2.5 inch fabric squares. Now I am sewing them up! She made enough for 40 different ones and really enjoyed it.

@ Clair & venus - I don't know if you'll come back here looking for an answer, but you will leave the paper in the hexagon until you have attached it (sewn) on all six sides to it's adjoining hexagons. Once it's attached on all six sides, you can remove the basting stitches and the paper will come right out. I'd be glad to do a part 2 & 3, etc. Keep watching!

excellent. i hadnt thought to chain baste and had been tying knots too, so this will save lots of time. although i'm only basting on the back, not through the papers as i kinda thought i might get away with leaving the basting stitches in after it's pieced! ~23rdspiral~

fabulous video! thanks for taking the time to put this together! i am getting my supplies together tonight to start my very own hexagon quilt. this weekend my husband and i are visiting his parents so i will need something to keep me busy on the 7 hour each way drive!

I'm officially casting a vote for a part two and three! Please let us know when and where this gets posted if you do it. I'd love to see how to sew them together and remove the paper, and just finish it overall. I am in the process of making my first quilt for my wedding-- just a basic patchwork--but I am making little quilted signs for the backs of our Mr and Mrs chairs, and these will be hexagons. <3 <3 <3